Kaiser Chiefs return to their roots at Leeds recording studio

INDIE ROCKERS the Kaiser Chiefs returned to their hometown of Leeds to show their support their old recording studio.

The chart-topping band stopped by the iconic Old Chapel music studio in Holbeck, where they first started out as a fledgling band.

During their visit, the band autographed a t-shirt, which will be raffled off to raise funds for the venue.

The Old Chapel is owned by Network Rail but is managed by Mark Hubbard on behalf of the Leeds Music Trust and relies on support from bands such as Kaiser Chiefs to keep it going.

Mark Hubbard, chief executive officer at Leeds Music Trust, said: “The Old Chapel is a unique community facility which has not only helped to launch some of Leeds’ best-known bands, but also offers well-used and much-needed studio and rehearsal space for musicians across the city.”

The Pigeon Detectives and Embrace have also recorded tracks at the studio, which is currently undergoing work to provide disabled access for visitors and customers.

The work aims to provide adults and children with mobility problems or learning difficulties the chance to use the venue, which is home to The Old Chapel Music School.

Keepmoat Property Services, which is also based in Holbeck, donated their time and materials for free to install disabled access ramps at the site.

Helen Francis, business development director at Keepmoat, said: “The Old Chapel is an institution of the Leeds music scene and we were more than happy to donate our labour and materials to improve access for the whole community.”

The Old Chapel was the first purpose-built rehearsal studio in Leeds, opening in 1982 as Parkside Studios in Armley.

It later moved to Czar Street, Holbeck, becoming The Old Chapel studios in 1992.